Behaviour - Your Horse's View

What's the key to understanding your horse's behaviour? Is he really bad? What can you do?

You'll find help in this section as we'll be looking at why horses behave and react as they do and we'll investigate the various approaches to dealing with the less-than-easy horse. Don't forget that we'll be adding new information every month so check in regularly - remember we're here to help.

HEAD SHAKING – separating fact from fiction

Head-shaking – separating fact from fictionHead-shaking is one of those conditions which, like sweet-itch and the presence of sarcoids, can devalue a horse dramatically, so some owners are reluctant to admit their horse is a head-shaker, whilst others panic at…

BE CONFIDENT - Is your young horse free of physical pain before you address his behaviour? By Sue Palmer

As physio on tour with Monty Roberts, I was in the privileged position of assessing many unbacked youngsters, which gave me a unique insight into the physical concerns of young horses. Most people assume that if a horse hasn’t had…

ONLY BY UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE DO DIFFERENTLY CAN WE CHANGE OUR HORSES BEHAVIOUR?

Only by understanding what we do differently can we understand the changes in our horses.Working as a physio, I know that it's not just about relaxing the tight muscle or relieving the pain, it's about finding out why that muscle…

COULD YOUR 'HEADSHY' HORSE HAVE A CHRONIC HEADACHE?

“All truth passes through three stages. First it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as self evident." Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher (1788 – 1860)The current focus in medicine (include physio in that) is on evidence…

LIFE IS NOT FAIR - Emotion versus common sense

LIFE IS NOT FAIR - Emotion versus common sense "Of course it's in your head, why on earth should that mean it's not real?!"This is a subject close to my heart at the moment, as instinct and emotion battles with common…

Playtime!Your horse gives you hours of entertainment so maybe it’s time you returned the favour and gave him the opportunity to have some fun….Have you ever been watching your horses and been quite horrified to see your horses ears flat…

CONFIDENCE IS A FRAGILE THING - Are you and your horse being affected?

Sue Palmer tells a real life story of how confidence can affect you and your horse.H has owned J for more than 5 years, and they enjoy gentle hacks through the countryside. J is a big lad, with little known…

NERVES THAT WIRE TOGETHER - Does the horses brain adapt over time?

Nerves that fire together wire togetherThis is a comment from a physio podcast I was recently listening to, and it's a phrase that really got me thinking. There is plenty of science available now demonstrating the plasticity of the brain,…